a guide to buying quality musical instruments

8/8/2019 A Guide to Buying Quality Musical Instruments

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A GUIDE TO BUYING QUALITY

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

H E L P F U L A D V I C E F O R T H E M U S I C A L S T U D E N T



THIS PUBLICATION HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO YOU WITH THE KIND SUPPORT OF NAMM, THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION.



Music is an essential part of the fabric of our lives. It is an extremelypowerful means of communication, playing a role in many of our social

institutions and religious rituals. Making music can break down culturalbarriers and strengthen social unity.

This booklet has been produced by the Music Industries Association (MIA),which is the UK trade body for the musical instrument industry. Many of thebest known instrument manufacturers and shops have helped us to collatethe publication and we are very grateful for their support. We have, however,deliberately kept the book “brand free” in order to leave all the information

as impartial as possible and to allow you to make informed choices aboutwhat you wish to purchase. The Federation of Music Services and National

Association of Music Educators have also extensively helped us with thisguide.We have also included some content from other publications, such asthe ABRSM’s “Raising an Amazing Musician”.

The MIA also represents hundreds of musical instrument shops throughoutthe UK and you can find your nearest one by going to our websitewww.mia.org.uk and clicking on the “find a music shop”. We also havea “find a music teacher”link on the homepage, which may be of use.

Welcome to the amazing world of playing a musical instrument!

I Builds greater social and team skills

I Improves reasoning capacity andproblem solving skills

I Improves maths and language performance

I Improves memory, concentration, creativity,self esteem and self discipline

Music is a wonderful and engaging pursuit for any child and there is

substantive evidence of the positive effects on children of music making.This is over and above the sheer fun and enjoyment of playing an

instrument. Making music also:



TRUTH 1: Everyone is musical and nearly all of us have the ability to sing and

to play an instrument. Of course some of us have more aptitude than others.

That’s natural in exactly the same way that some people are more gifted than

others in sport, or maths, or any other area of learning.

TRUTH 2: Because everyone is musical everyone can develop their musical

skills to the point that they are able to. Very few of us will become professional

musicians but most of us can have a life of enjoyment and achievement

through making music.

TRUTH 3: There is no one way to learn to play an instrument. Over the

years various methods and approaches have been developed. Each approach

will suit one person but not necessarily another. Individuals need to find a style

and approach that best suits them.

TRUTH 4: Music is often best enjoyed when it is shared with others.

That ‘other’ can be a teacher or a member of the family. They can be friends,

or a class of other players, a band or a whole orchestra. The important thing

about making music is that you make your music with other people as soon

and as often as you can.

TRUTH 5: All music is made up of the same core elements such as

melody, rhythm, harmony and tone. These precepts of music are evidentin all styles from classical to rock. There is no best music through which

to learn nor is there any right order as to which style should come first.

Success and enjoyment are more dependent on the learning approach and

the student’s motivation and goals than whether you are playing Blur,

Bhangra or Bach.

Some truths about making musicTRUTH 6: There are two major aspects to music, playing an instrument

and understanding and being musical (some people call it music theory).

These two elements are not separate subjects and should be integrated in

the process of learning and developing as a musician.

Getting the best outof this guideThis publication exists to give you a brief overview of the main instrument

categories, followed by a short guide of “what to look for” when purchasing

a quality musical instrument. The information has been collated with

children, parents and teachers in mind and we hope it is useful to all!

SOME GENERAL THINGS TO CONSIDERBEFORE YOU BUY

There are many things to think about when choosing a suitable

instrument including:

• the age of the student

• the character of the student

• the kind of music they want to play

• the cost

• the practicalities (such as size and portability of the instrument)

STUDENT OR BEGINNER INSTRUMENTS

On the surface it is easy to think that a student or beginner instrument is just

a cheaper version of what the professionals play. While student instruments

are cheaper they are not what ‘cheaper’ normally implies less well designed

or manufactured. In fact a good student instrument offers special attributes

that assist the learner to progress and enjoy their music making.



This includes things like less resistance (resistance refers to how much

pressure or effort is required to make the sound) being built into a student

woodwind or brass instrument making the instrument easier to blow for the

inexperienced player through the careful design of mouthpieces and bodies.

A lower action on a guitar (action refers to the distance between the fretboard and the strings) makes playing easier and more fluent for young or

inexperienced hands.

ALREADY A PLAYER?If you are already a player then the best advice anyone can give you is to go

out and play all the instruments you can until you find the one that suits you

and your budget best. There is simply no substitute for trying and selecting

the instrument you will make your own.

BUY, RENT OR BORROW?You may not wish to buy an instrument immediately in case it turns out not to

suit you or your child. Some music services (organisations contracted by the

Local Authority to provide music tuition in state schools and at music centres)

and schools offer instruments on loan to beginners; many others (including

some retailers) operate rental systems that, for a modest fee, provide for an

experimental trial period. This is invaluable for the more expensive

instruments as it allows your child to get a feel for what is involved in

learning, playing and maintaining the instrument before actually buying one.

The instrument must be appropriate for your child, however you intend to

obtain it. Learning on a sub-standard instrument is extremely demoralising

and will prevent your child progressing. You do not have to buy the most

expensive instrument, but it must be fit for purpose and properly set up to

suit your child – try to consult a teacher or music shop. If you are offeredthe loan of an instrument by a friend or family member, or are considering

the purchase of a second-hand instrument, a teacher should check it for

suitability before it is used. However good an instrument is, it may not

necessarily be appropriate for your child. Most young string players,

for example, begin learning on specially-made smaller instruments and will

find it very uncomfortable (if not impossible) to play an instrument that

is too large.

CONCLUSIONThe best advice is to talk to other musicians, music teachers and music stores

to advise on the brands and models to look out for. These are the people

with the experience to direct you to the kinds of products that they trust

to do the job for them. There is no shortage of great products and brands

so you will usually be spoilt for choice.



Some general things to ask when buying a musical instrumentI Does your music teacher recommend any brands/models

for you to learn on?

I The safe option is always to go with the established brands –

they are usually established brands for a good reason.

I Can you have an instrument on approval from the shop?

I Is there a rental scheme for instruments with the option to buy

the instrument at a later date?

I Does the shop operate the A.I.P.S.VAT - free instrument

purchase scheme for school children?

I Is the “Take it Away”Arts Council England interest - freepurchase scheme available in the shop?

I Is there a practice/demonstration room in the shop?

I Do the instruments get checked over (set up) before they are sold?

I Check with the local retailer whether spare parts are readily

available for the brand you choose.



I If buying on the internet make sure that the guarantees/

repairs/return policies are all fully explained. Check that

you are familiar with the distance selling regulations should

you need to return the instrument for a full refund.

I Insure your instrument. This may need a specialist music insurer

(your home policy may not cover instruments).

I Does the shop offer a free checkover after 6 months?

Is it written down on the receipt?

I Does the shop have a repairer on site (or nearby) in the

event that something goes wrong?

I What is their repair turnaround time? Can the shop loan an

instrument while yours is repaired?

I Ensure there are no potential instrument health and safety issues

e.g. sharp edges, poisonous substances. Check that instruments

conform to appropriate EU legislation e.g. rules concerning nickel

and nickel plating.

I What sort of guarantee does the shop/manufacturer offeron the instrument?

I Get the manufacturer’s/distributor’s guarantee card stamped.

I If there isn’t a guarantee, get that fact written on the receipt.

I Make sure that the full details of the instrument, including serial

number, are on the receipt.



The acoustic guitar is a highly popular starter instrument.

It’s affordable, easy to transport, quiet enough not to disturb others during

practice, relatively easy to get a nice sound, and doesn’t need any additional

equipment like amplification.

It can also been seen as a more ‘serious’ instrument to learn on first if a

child ultimately wants to play electric guitar, as the skills and techniques

can be transferred.

There are two types of acoustic guitar; classical (or ‘nylon strung’) and

‘steel strung’ which is what is most often meant when someone refers to

an acoustic guitar.

The classical guitar is considered to be best for beginners as it uses nylon

strings, which are much easier to play than steel - the lighter string tension

makes it much easier to press the string down onto the fretboard to sound

a note.

Acoustic Guitar Overview WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. Guitars come in a variety of sizes and a full size one is generallysuitable for ages 10 - 12 and upwards. Smaller sizes are available foryounger students.

2. If you are a beginner ask the advice of your tutor and don’t buy thecheapest, spend a little more and get a quality one with a solid top if

possible.

3. Take a guitarist with you when you go to buy it, someone who

will be able to tell a if it’s a good one or not.

4. You should buy the guitar that plays, sounds and looks the best

for you. The expertise of the maker and the degree to which an

instrument is hand made are of major significance for the developmentof tonal quality.

5. Visit several music shops before you buy and find the salespeople who

are enthusiastic and knowledgable. Ask to talk to someone in the shop

who plays guitar.

6. Take your time, don’t rush out and buy the first one you see, you have

to live with it for years so make sure it is the right one.

7. Buy guitar magazines that have reviews or get catalogues on the

models you are interested in to research thoroughly

8. If there is a music trade show or convention in your area visit it, as

there will be a variety of products to see and there will be people there

with a wealth of knowledge you can talk to.



The clarinet is a very versatile reed instrument, used in

both chamber and orchestral music. It was Mozart’s

favourite, and like the saxophone produced

many great jazz players such as Sidney Bechet

and Benny Goodman.

There are many different types of clarinet, but the

Bflat soprano clarinet is by far the most common.

Cheaper clarinets are made from man made materials and are generally

the best choice for beginners – more expensive models are made from

hardwoods like ebony, and are suitable for more serious playing.

As a beginner’s instrument it is both quieter and less costly than thesaxophone, and although the fingering is a little more complex, it is easier

to produce a basic sound with. It is also lighter and more portable as the

instrument separates into five smaller sections to pack away.

As with the saxophone, there are special reeds for the clarinet, and the

same advice is applicable to this instrument. You will also need cork

grease to connect the joints of the clarinet together..

Clarinet Overview

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. The cheaper models are made of plastic or ABS resin which doesn't

crack, requires less maintenance and is lighter which makes them more

suitable for children.

2. Wooden models normally sound richer, darker and warmer.

3. The key mechanism should be nice and smooth, it should not rattle

and should make a good seal with the toneholes.

4. When trying out different clarinets it is advisable to use the same

mouthpiece and reed, otherwise the different sounds may just be due

to the different mouthpieces.

5. For smaller children, there are straps available that will help reduce

the weight of the instrument and can reduce any chance of repetitive

strain injury.

6. When purchasing the instrument, you need to purchase appropriate

cleaning materials. Some clarinet keys have pads to seal the holes, these

need to be looked after. A cleaning swab should be used to dry out the

instrument and prolong pad life.

7. Quality clarinets have undercut toneholes.



Drums are the standard backing instrument in many genres of music

including rock, soul, jazz and latin, and together with the bass guitar

makes up the ‘rhythm section’.

A typical drum kit comprises 5 drums: bass drum, snare drum and3 toms; hi-hat, crash & ride cymbals and stands and pedals.

Playing cymbals wears out sticks quickly, so it’s a good idea to buy several

pairs (5A is a good weight to start with), and if you plan to move your kit

around, you will need a set of cases.

The drum kit can be loud although the sound can be damped considerably

by using practice pads that are

placed on the drumheads and

the cymbals in a matter of

seconds. They are not

expensive.

An alternative is the electronic

drum kit, which can be used with

headphones and has been growing

in popularity over recent years.

Drums Overview WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. Value for money – check carefully whether the deal includes all stands

and pedals (usual) and cymbals (usually only in basic starter kits).

2. Whether the kit comes boxed for self-assembly, or already built and tuned

by the dealer (some good dealers will offer this service – tuning a drum kitis a skill which comes with experience).

3. Whether or not a height adjustable stool is included.

4. What the cymbals are made of (basic ones are brass, bronze is better).

5. How many drums are in the set (five is standard, and most tuition

books are scored for five drums).

6. Quality of stands, pedals anddrumheads, all of which can get

considerable wear and tear.



The electric guitar is extremely popular, and has recently undergone a major

resurgence of interest due to the prevalence of guitar-based bands. In the

past, guitar teachers felt that it was important to get good technique on an

acoustic before playing an electric, but attitudes have changed, and as long

as the correct tuition is given an electric is just as good a starter instrument.

Like the classical guitar’s nylon strings, the electric’s strings are much thinner,

lighter and closer to the fretboard than an acoustic (steel strung) guitar’s,

and so are less likely to discourage the sore-fingered beginner.

As electric guitars do not have a hollow body to amplify the sound, magnetic

pickups are used underneath the strings which need

external amplification, so you will also need a guitar

amplifier and an instrument cable to connect it with.

Electrics are generally played with a plectrum and you’ll

also need a strap.

You can either buy all the components separately,

or choose from the range of guitar packs now available

which include amplifier, cable, strap and often tuition

materials.These packages are ideal and tailored for

beginners and take the stress out of buying.

Don’t forget to protect your investment with

a case.

Electric Guitar Overview WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. If you are a beginner, ask your teacher’s advice and don't buy the cheapest

model - spending a little more will buy a guitar that looks, sounds, feels and

lasts better.

2. Electric guitars (especially starter packages) are sometimes available

in smaller sizes suitable for younger students.

3. Visit several music shops before you buy and talk to someone

who plays guitar for the best advice.

4. Look for a guitar made from solid wood, not plywood.

5. You will also have to purchase an amplifier to go with the guitar so be

prepared for the extra cost. Choose one with a headphone socket.

6. Most shops will offer a complete package to get you started that includes

all you will need, check these out.

7. Take your time, don’t rush out and buy the first one you see, you have to

live with it for years so make sure it is the right one. A good guitar will make

you want to play it.

8. Buy guitar magazines that have reviews on the latest products and

accessories or get catalogues on the models you are interested in and

do some research.



The flute is one of the mostly frequently played woodwind instruments, and

the transverse flute is the standard orchestral design, so-named because it is

held horizontally and air is blown across the mouthpiece rather than into it.

It is usually made from metals like nickel or silver, or

sometimes hardwoods like Grenadilla. As a resultof how it is played, the tone is much breathier

and softer than the recorder, but it does

need a lot more puff (air), so for

younger children there are

smaller flutes available.

These are approximately 7cm

shorter than the normal flute

allowing fingers to reach all the holes

and pads easily. In addition to this theyweigh less (approx. 325g) and are easier to play,

requiring less breath than standard flutes.

Because of the special breathing, sound generation and

fingering techniques required, it is best to get professional tuition

and guidance from the outset, as is the case with all woodwind

instruments.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. Get the teacher’s advice before shopping, as they will have to teach the

child and will want to be sure you are buying a good quality instrument.

2. Make sure you buy a flute of the correct specification. Closed hole keys

with an offset G, an E mechanism and a C footjoint is the most common

in the UK.

3. There are different finishes of flute available. The most popular for

beginners is a silver plated finish, comfortable to hold and easier to

keep clean.

4. When buying the flute, ensure it has been checked and tested properly, as

flutes have intricate parts which, if not set up correctly, can make it difficult

to play.This includes making sure the joints are not too loose or too tight.

5. If the flute is for a small child, a curved head flute may be required to

avoid strain issues with the player. Some curved flutes are also supplied

with the straight head joint making the transition to a standard flute easy

as the child grows. Check with the teacher if this is necessary and

always follow their advice.

6. Buying flutes on the internet can end in disappointment.

Stick with a popular brand and make sure it is the correct

pitch for the UK. Buying from another country canalso affect your rights in the event of

a guarantee issue.

Flute Overview



The ocarina is a simple instrument that

offers quick success. Musical skills can be

developed to an advanced level on the

ocarina; these skills transfer easily when

moving on to play other woodwind, brassor string instruments.

Ocarinas are round-shaped flutes with

a pure sweet tone. English 4-hole and

6-hole ocarinas are easier to play than

the recorder or tin whistle and, because of this, are used in many primary

school classrooms for whole-class music.

The English 4-hole finger-system produces fourteen musical notes. The 6-holeocarina has the addition of two thumb-holes that add two extra notes.

These notes are useful, but are not essential for beginners. Plastic ocarinas

are made in many colours and in one 'alto' size. They measure approximately

60 mm wide and 80 mm from mouthpiece to string-end, and are worn round

the neck as pendants.

Ocarina Overview WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. Make sure the ocarina is tuned to concert-pitch. Plastic ocarinas marked

'Alto D' are ideal, as they are tuned to play in groups, with other instruments,

and with ocarina music books and CDs.

2. Choose the 4-hole ocarina for young children and for whole-class music.Select the 6-hole ocarina for those likely to play beyond the first 50 tunes

and arrangements in the books.

3. Well-tuned ocarinas should be offered with ocarina music books that have

charts under the musical stave.These charts guide the fingers and help

beginners of all ages to play proper tunes from the word 'go'. A plastic

ocarina with first book usually costs around £10.

4. Ceramic ocarinas are made in various sizes from Mini to Great Bass,and tuned to 'D' or 'G'. Choose 'D' ocarinas for group playing, unless you

specifically need a different pitch. Ceramic ocarinas cost between £20 and

£80, depending on size.Those under £15 are usually poorly made and are

not recommended.

5. Ocarinas in the shape of animals or decorated with bright patterns

are fun but are not necessarily tuned for musical performance or for use

in school.

6. Check that your supplier knows about ocarinas, or is a specialist

in the field of ocarinas and education.



The piano is a wonderful instrument that encompasses harmony, melody

and rhythm. It enables you to learn general musicianship skills that are

applicable to all kinds of music. Also, music available for the piano covers

a wide repertoire from classical and jazz right through to pop music that

makes it appeal to people of all ages.

There are two main types of piano, the ‘traditional’ acoustic piano and the

digital piano, and both have their pros and cons.The acoustic piano has a

mechanical ‘action’ where pressing the key moves a hammer which hits the

strings to produce the sound. It’s the best instrument for serious piano

performance, as training and strengthening the fingers are essential if you

want to progress to a higher level at college.

The digital piano is a clear alternative to the acoustic.

As always, you get what you pay for, the better the model,the more realistic the ‘action’ will become. The big advantage

of the digital piano is that the volume level is totally

controllable.They may also come with a range of

other instrument sounds, and on some models

can be used with music software on a computer.

It should be pointed out that certain (more

expensive) acoustic pianos are now available

with a “quiet piano” system, which allows silent

practice through headphones.

Piano Overview WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. It is always best to see, hear and try before you buy. Take your time

to visit a few piano shops where the staff will be able to offer you

expert advice.

2. Make sure you sit down and play the piano in a shop. It should be light

and responsive to play and produce a tone which most importantly, you like.

Be sure to play notes at the extremes of the instrument (the very top and the

very bottom) to give you a good indication of the overall tonal quality.

3. The two major factors that affect the tone are the soundboard area and

the length of the strings. As a general rule, the bigger the piano, the better it

is. It is worth considering the largest piano to suit your home and budget.

4. When looking to buy a traditional upright piano, bear in mind the size of

the instrument and where it will go in your home, especially if you live in a10th floor flat!

5. Don’t disregard buying a brand new piano. Many of the leading brands

now offer affordable options, and purchasing a new piano means you can

rely on the quality and it will also come with a manufacturers guarantee.

6. Acoustic pianos are made from natural materials that are susceptible to

changes in temperature and need to be tuned professionally on a regular

basis. Keep in touch with your piano shop, they will be able to advise on

maintaining your piano.



Portable Keyboards Overview WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. 5 octave (61 black and white full size keys) keyboard. This length of

keyboard allows full piano repertoire to be played and is ideal for the

beginner. Don't forget a height adjustable stand for the keyboard.

2. Full size keys. This means the keys are the same size as an acoustic piano.

3. Touch sensitive (also known as touch responsive) keys. This means that, like

an acoustic piano, the volume of the notes is louder when the keys are struck

harder. Also known as semi-weighted or fully weighted piano-action keys.

4. Sustain pedal input. This allows connection of a sustain pedal, which

enhances the expressiveness of the performance.

5. USB or MIDI connections to PC. With ‘sequencing’ software installed

within a PC, these connections allow players to record, store and arrange

music within a PC environment.

6. Digital effects, such as reverb, chorus and delay enhance the overall

sound of the instrument.

7. On-board song recording (or sequencer).This allows players to record their

own performances and store within the keyboard. Many instruments offer

‘multi-track’ recording.

8. ‘Hybrid’ keyboards.These are keyboards that offer an extended range of

keys (76 or 88 notes) which combine the functions of a keyboard with more

piano like performance potential.

The electronic keyboard is a very practical and low cost way to start playing

a keyboard. Many will come with basic keyboard skills instructions.

Whereas a digital piano will usually have a fairly standard and basic feature

set, portable or ‘home’ keyboards come in a variety of different keyboard

lengths and sizes, and generally include a host of digital sounds and

accompaniment features. They usually have built-in speakers, and battery

operation is common with smaller models.

These keyboards take full advantage of digital technology, providing auto-

accompaniment features which quickly allow beginners to play pieces of

music. Drum, bass and chord parts can be triggered, shaped and stored in

memory using the left hand, whilst the right hand plays the melody. Schools

often choose portable keyboards to provide entry-level instruction for young

beginners, as immediate results can be mixed with basic teaching and actas an introduction to the piano when it is felt that the child has reached

a sufficient

standard. Look

for 2 headphone

sockets so that

a tutor can

listen in

as well!



The recorder often provides the first tuned musical

instrument playing experience for children.

The first school recorder is usually made from ABS

resin, although many professional players prefer

wooden recorders. Wooden recorders are harder to

play consistently as tuning varies with different

atmospheric conditions and they take more looking

after. As such wooden recorders are not suitable for

beginners groups.

The descant recorder is easy to play and is the most

popular model used in schools. Internationally it is

sometimes referred to as the soprano model.There

are various sizes of recorder - the treble

(internationally referred to as the alto) is the next

popular model and for ensemble playing the

sopranino, tenor and bass recorders are also used.

The descant and tenor recorders are in the key of “C”

whilst the sopranino, treble and bass are in the key

of “F”.

The Recorder Overview WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. Get the teacher’s advice before shopping; they will often want the

whole class to have the same brand of recorder.

2. A recorder can be of one, two or three piece construction. Check which

version the teacher would like the children to play.

3. Normally the three piece construction is the preferred descant choice as

there is flexibility with individual tuning and finger positioning for small

hands. However some teachers prefer the single piece model as there is less

to fiddle with!

4. On a three piece recorder the top part is the head joint and you blow into

the beak of the head joint. The middle part is the body joint and the bottom

is the foot joint.

5. Good recorders are supplied with a cleaning rod, pot of joint grease

and a fingering chart.

6. There are toy recorders on the market. The best way to ensure you get a

properly tuned instrument is to buy it from a musical instrument retailer.

7. The recorder is a finely engineered musical instrument and should be

supplied in a protective bag; its joints should be regularly greased and

should fit together snugly. To separate the instrument twist the joints -

do not pull apart.

8. There are German fingering models on the market, these recorders are

different and should not be purchased for normal use in the U.K.

9. For anyone with finger or hand difficulties there are some specially

adapted recorders available.



World Percussion covers a vast range of instruments, both ancient and

modern, that are either played with the hands or struck with a beater.

Percussion is important in music education as it develops rhythm and

has links with mathematics, history and culture.

Using world percussion is an excellent way of adding intriguing and

unusual sounds into your music and many of today’s top

artists actively employ many percussion sounds.

Probably the most recognised percussion

instruments today come from Africa

(drumming), South America (Latin

percussion) and the Caribbean (steel pans).

African percussion mainly uses hand drumscalled Djembe to build complex rhythms that are

supported by foil metal attachments played in

a similar way to cymbals.These are known as

Kessing-Kessing after the sound they make.

Also common are basket shakers called Caxixi

and Gourd Shekeres.

Latin percussion also invokes passion and energy by using

hand drums, known as Congas, Bongos and Cajon as wellas lighter rhythms from Maracas and Rainsticks.

Caribbean steel pans are made from oil drums of different

sizes tuned with different notes and the different sized pans

make up steel pan bands. Percussion can be divided into

tuned percussion – such as steel pans, marimbas,

Percussion (world) Overview

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. Be sure you get the best quality by buying from

a recognised importer purchasing authentic

instruments from the correct country of origin.

2. Percussion instruments can be made of traditional

materials or a modern-day equivalent,for example fibre-glass, which may be more durable

and need less tuning which can compensate for what is lost

from an authentic look.

3. Be sure to experiment and above all have fun!

World percussion groups and events have an amazing energy

and are very inspiring. Many people use world percussion as a

learning, healing and social experience.

glockenspiels, xylophones, where individual notes are struck; and non-tuned

percussion where the instrument is not tuned to different notes but relies on

different tones emanating from the instrument depending on which part of

the surface of the instrument is played.



Saxophone Overview WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. Ask your tutor which brand or model they recommend you should buy,

plus which type i.e. Alto,Tenor etc, as they are all different sizes. Also try it

sitting down. Check to see if you can use the side and palm keys, so you

can tell if you need a smaller one.

2. When you go to buy always take someone with you who knows

instruments or plays them as they will be able to hear and see what the

beginner does not.You will also be able to hear what it sounds like from

a distance if they play it.

3. Remember that in addition to the Saxophone itself you will have to buy

reeds and have the instrument maintained.

4. Ask the salesperson if you can have the instrument on approval or

indeed if you can rent it with a view to purchasing it, or something similar,

down the line.

5. When you have decided on the instrument you want, make sure you

get that one and not one from the stock room, as all instruments have their

own sound.

6. You must also make sure to purchase appropriate cleaning materials.

Like the flute, saxophone keys have pads to seal the holes. These need to

be looked after. A cleaning swab should be used to dry out the instrument

after playing to prolong pad life.

7. Make sure that you purchase a good quality neck strap which will help

correctly support the weight of the instrument.

The saxophone was invented by the Belgian Adolphe Sax. Its sound is

produced using a reed, and so even though it’s made of metal it’s also part of

the woodwind family. Although it was adopted by some composers as part of

the orchestra, it gained more popularity in military bands due to its big

sound, and was later made famous by great jazz musicianssuch as Charlie Parker and John Coltrane.

The saxophone family consists of seven

instruments, but the most popular

beginner’s instruments are the alto and

tenor saxophones. Due to the size and

fingering, the minimum age to start learning

is around 8 years for the alto and 12 years

for the tenor.

As saxophone reeds are made

of cane, they will wear and split with

use, so it’s a good idea to buy a

few replacement reeds as they are

relatively inexpensive, and can be

bought either individually or in

boxes of 10.

If you’re a beginner, then start with softer

reeds marked from ‘1½’ to ‘2½’, which make it easier to produce a more

even tone and pitch (‘4’ is the hardest type available).



The modern 3 valve trumpet was first developed by Bluhmel and Stoelzel

and is popular in school orchestras, jazz and brass bands.

The Bflat trumpet is the most common and so is the most sensible choice for

the student or beginner. As with the flute, it requires good breath control.

Important accessories for the trumpet are valve oil and a cleaning kit to

keep the instrument in good working order.

There are products available that can adjust volume levels of trumpets,

such as mutes. There are even “quiet” brass instruments specifically

designed for this.

Trumpet Overview WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. The most common finish for student models is clear or gold lacquer.

The lacquer protects the instrument and is easy to keep clean. Unlacquered

trumpets will look ‘dull’ and have a matte finish. They are harder to keep

clean. Some players prefer a silver plated finish. These have a smooth

rounder sound and a more regular response throughout their range.They tend to be more expensive and heavier. Plain brass and also nickel

finishes are not recommended for health/legal reasons.

2. Beginner trumpets should be easy to blow and have accurate

intonation. The trumpet’s bore size affects how resistant it is to

blow. Most student trumpets have a medium-large bore.

3. The valve body is the heart of the instrument.

Best quality valves are normally of monel. If buying asecond hand instrument the way to check valve wear

is to unscrew a valve top and let the valve come out

about a couple of inches (5cm) and then try to move

the valve sideways in the valve casing. If there is lateral

movement (in other words if the valve 'rocks' from side to side),

the valve could be worn and therefore would not be airtight.

Another way to check if the instrument is airtight is to put water

through it, and once there is enough water inside, hold it still and

see if there are any drips. Possible leak points are joints, water keysand valves.

4. A good mouthpiece is very important. If you get the right one you can

keep that mouthpiece with you as you progress up the grades.



Violin and Bowed Overview WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. Condition of the Instrument: Violins are made of wood and it is

important to examine the body of any violin, both new and old.

New instruments made from un-seasoned wood may have bulging ribs,

heavily warped fingerboards, and possible shrinkage cracks.Tell-tale signs

are in the neck and bottom rib (especially on ‘cellos).

2. Alignment: Check to make sure that the neck of the violin is set straight.

Make sure the bridge is centered between the f-holes, then sight up the

fingerboard to see if it aligns with the bridge. If the bridge has to be off-set

to one side to line up, then the neck is out of line (see bridge). If the neck is

skewed, playing becomes very difficult as the strings will want to fall off the

side of the fingerboard.

3. Fingerboard: The best wood for wear and fingering is ebony althoughother hardwoods are used. The nut which divides the strings at the top

of the fingerboard must have equal string spacing and the grooves correctly

cut for the type of string used. If changing from metal core to synthetic core

strings, the nut grooves will need adjusting or broken strings will result.

The fingerboard should be slightly convex down the length to prevent buzzing.

4. Pegs: Usually made from ebony, rosewood or boxwood.

On in-expensive violins an “ebonized” (usually a fruitwood) peg can be used.

Whatever the material used the peg needs to turn smoothly and stay inplace.A jerky turn will break strings, while slipping pegs obviously don’t hold

pitch. Basses have machine heads because of the huge tensions involved.

Are they well fitted and do they turn smoothly?

The violin is both a solo and ensemble instrument, and makes an ideal choice

for a child who wants to join their school orchestra and play with other

musicians.

Practising and performing in groups assists in learning an instrument more

quickly, as more advanced students will help you. Although there are notable

players in jazz and folk music, most music written for the violin is from the

classical repertoire, and this should be taken into account when encouraging

a child to take up their first instrument, as they will generally practise harder

when they enjoy the music they’re playing!

The size of the violin is very important. Unsuitably sized instruments will

affect the student’s playing ability: too small and the student

will be cramped, too big and the arms and hands will be

over-stretched. As the child grows they will move up sizes

until they reach full size. Ask your teacher or get

“fitted” at your local music shop.

As a guide, a 4/4 violin is normally suitable for

9 years and upwards, a 3/4 for 7 - 10 years,

a 1/2 for 6 - 8 years and 1/4 for 5 - 7 years.

There are smaller sizes below this for even

younger children. There is also

a range of sizes available for violas

and double basses. In all cases

expert advice is needed on the

correct size for a child.



5. Bridge: This should be tailored to each individual instrument.

Some important things to look for are:

I Wood quality:A poor soft piece of wood will not offer enough

sound resistance and will wear out quickly

I Is the bridge the right way round? (easy mistake to make).

The E string should be lower than the G, and the front of the bridgecurves back (the back of the bridge is straight).

I Is it in the right place? As a rule of thumb the bridge should be positioned

in between the nick in the f-holes in the centre of the instrument.

I Do the feet fit? (there should be no gaps under the bridge).

I Is the bridge bending forward? The continuous tuning of strings can

warp the bridge. If it bends too far forward it will want to fall over

and may snap.

I Is the height of the bridge right? This, and the height of the strings

over the fingerboard are vital. Too high and the strings are very difficult

to press down, too low and there is a chance the strings will buzz.

I Profile or curve of the bridge: The profile should match the profile

of the fingerboard. Too steep a curve and bowing becomes difficult;

too flat and “double stopping” (playing two strings at once) can happen.

6. Soundpost: A small and IMPORTANT length of wood that sits vertically

in the violin under the treble (E string) side of the instrument. Someinstruments are delivered without the soundpost in (if so do not throw away)

or if the soundpost falls down it needs to be in place before the instrument is

played. Bringing the strings to pitch without a soundpost can severely harm

the instrument. Its fitting and position are very important and the tone can

be adjusted by moving/re-fitting the soundpost (trained repairer needed).

7. Tailpiece: The tailpiece wood usually matches the pegs and chinrest.

Some violins have a metal tailpiece with integral adjusters (do the small

screws turn smoothly?) The choice of material will be influenced by the type

of strings used. Most cellists now use a metal tailpiece or one with built in

adjusters as standard. Basses do not need adjusters as pitch can be achieved

by the machine heads.

8. Strings: There is a vast range of strings available. Most beginner

instruments come with metal factory strings fitted. These are fine, but the

quality of tone is limited. Upgrading to better quality metal strings helps

both the tone and tuning. Other strings are made with a synthetic core or

natural gut core, all usually wound with metal. Seek advice on the brand,

tension and tonal qualities of your strings.

9. Bow: Bows come in sizes to match the instrument. Usually made from

wood (or fibre-glass/carbon fibre). Choosing the right bow is important.Check when you look down the length of the bow, is it straight? When you

look side-on, does it have a camber? Does the bow feel right in the hand

(if it’s too heavy it will be difficult to control, too light and it may jump

about). Does it tighten up smoothly? (Too stiff and little hands will find it

difficult). For advice ask both your teacher and the shop.

10. Left-Handed Violins: Nearly all violins are right handed. Occasionally

a left-handed violin is made if the student cannot hold the instrument or

bow conventionally. Beware of so-called left handed violins as these areinvariably right handed ones with the strings and bridge turned round).



Hopefully you have found

this guide to be of use, and

helpful in your decision ofpurchasing a quality

instrument. We hope your

instrument will provide

years of enjoyment!

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS:

Federation of Music Services

7 Courthouse Street, Otley, Leeds LS21 3AN

Tel. 01943 463311 www.federationmusic.org.uk

National Association of Music Educators

Gordon Lodge, Snitterton Rd, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3LZ

Tel. 01629 760791 www.name.org.uk

Take it Away

Arts Council England, 14 Great Peter Street, London SW1P 3NQ

Tel. 020 7973 6452 www.artscouncil.org.uk/takeitaway

www.musicmanifesto.org.uk

www.dcsf.gov.uk



We would like to thank the following companies for all their help in collating this brochure:

IN ASSOCIATION WITH



If you have any further queries that we can help with, please contact:

Music Industries Association at Ivy Cottage Offices, Finch’s Yard,

Eastwick Road, Great Bookham, KT23 4BA

Tel: 01372 750600 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.mia.org.uk

a guide to buying quality musical instruments

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